초록 ▼

A snap-on mounting attachment is provided for securing an airbag inflator module having a base plate to the steering wheel of a motor vehicle. The mounting attachment includes two fastener studs extending rearwardly from the base plate, each fastener stud having a yieldable holding barb. Two capture

A snap-on mounting attachment is provided for securing an airbag inflator module having a base plate to the steering wheel of a motor vehicle. The mounting attachment includes two fastener studs extending rearwardly from the base plate, each fastener stud having a yieldable holding barb. Two capture brackets are mounted to the spokes of the steering wheel, and each capture bracket holds a snap receptor in floating encapturement therein, i.e., with a limited range of lateral and vertical movement. The snap receptors each have a metal ring embedded in a polymer shell and define a stud receiving opening therethrough with the metal ring defining a lip engaged by the holding barb of the fastener stud. Bias stops between the base plate and the steering wheel take up slack in the mounting attachment and eliminate rattles, and the polymer shell of the snap receptors also minimizes rattles. The steering wheel and airbag inflator module have complementary covers, and the floating encapturement permits alignment of the covers.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A snap-on mounting attachment for securing an airbag inflator module having a base plate to a support provided on a steering wheel of a motor vehicle, the snap-on mounting attachment comprising:A) a fastener stud with at least one yieldable, outwardly-biased holding barb, the faste

[ We claim:] [1.] A snap-on mounting attachment for securing an airbag inflator module having a base plate to a support provided on a steering wheel of a motor vehicle, the snap-on mounting attachment comprising:A) a fastener stud with at least one yieldable, outwardly-biased holding barb, the fastener stud secured to and extending from one of the airbag inflator module base plate and the vehicle support; andB) a snap receptor mounted on the other of the airbag inflator base plate and vehicle support, the snap receptor having a limited range of lateral and vertical movement providing a floating encapturement for the snap receptor with respect to the other of the airbag inflator and vehicle support, the snap receptor comprising a ring embedded in a shell, the ring surrounding and at least partially defining a stud receiving opening extending therethrough for accommodating the fastener stud and the ring further defining a lip for engaging the at least one vieldable holding barb, the floating encapturement permitting a limited range of movement of the snap receptor for alignment of the snap receptor with the fastener stud and for accommodating tolerances in the airbag inflator module, steering wheel, and snap-on mounting attachment,whereby insertion of the fastener stud into the snap receptor opening engages the holding barb with the snap receptor to secure the airbag inflator module to the vehicle support.